Thieves break in to nonprofit for 2nd time to return stolen equipment – with an apology note

Pitiful thieves broke into a southern Los Angeles nonprofit stealing laptops and other computer equipment this week. Then after finding out what the business was, a nonprofit that helps victims of sexual violence, they returned to the scene of the crime a second time in order to return all of the stolen equipment. Tucked inside one of the stolen laptops was an apology note which read (misspellings and original punctuation left as is):

“We had no idea what we were takeing. Here your stuff back we hope that you guys can continue to make a difference in peoples live. God bless.”

The thieves apparently fired up some of the stolen equipment and found that the business they had stolen from was actually a Los Angeles non-profit – San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services. The building had no markings on it in order to protect those who desperately need its help.

The nonprofit’s executive director, Candy Stallings, told NBC News:

“We were all pretty shocked. You’ve got to be kidding me. I was in disbelief. I got chills. I got very emotional.”

“This is the first time in my career I have seen the return of stolen items,” said San Bernardino Police Lt. Paul Williams. “It appears the guilt of taking the property caused the return of the items.”

Regardless of their change in heart, the thieves still cost the center about $1,000 in repairs to the building’s roof. In a Tom Clancy like move, the thieves broke in through the roof and lowered themselves down into the center’s interior.

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